Assessment and Diagnostic Services
Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment
Led by a team of doctoral-level, licensed Psychologists, we utilize interviews, observation, and state of the art testing measures to diagnose and assess children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders. The evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of overall functioning based on:
- Autistic Symptoms
- Cognitive/Intellectual Functioning
- Adaptive Behavior
- Problematic Behaviors
- Early Development
- Language Skills
- Medical Status
The assessment generally begins with a comprehensive intake interview where parents can voice their concerns about their child and provide the Psychologist with crucial information about their child’s behavior and development. At the end of this interview, observation and testing time with your child will be scheduled at your convenience. Once the materials and findings are reviewed, we will present parents with a written report explaining findings, diagnosis, and general recommendations. In addition, when a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder is appropriate, the parent will receive a resource binder that outlines critical information about autism, treatment options, possible next steps, and a list of local and national resources.
Prescriptive Evaluation
If your child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, we can direct you to available intervention resources in the community. Some parents opt to develop a home-based intervention program based on principles of applied behavior analysis. In those cases, we have behavior consultants available to:
- Evaluate your child’s specific skill repertoire of strengths and weaknesses in
all areas including language, daily living, and learning skills
- Develop preliminary treatment goals and intervention methods based directly
on your child’s unique level of functioning
- Provide introductory training on identified goal implementation
On-Going Psychological Assessment
Annual psychological assessments are recommended for all children with an autism spectrum disorder since any small changes in developmental level can affect the impact of the diagnosis.These assessments allow us to:
- Identify progress
- Determine the efficacy of the current treatment
- Recommend modifications to the treatment plan
General Assessment Information
Assessment can generally be scheduled 2-4 weeks from when you contact us. Step By Step Academy currently accepts Insurance, Medicaid and personal paymeny for Diagnostic Assessment.
Step By Step Academy specializes in Austim Spectrum Disorders including autism, PDD and Aspergers. In addition, our psychologists bring years of experience in diagnosing and working with other disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention-Deficit.Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention-Deficit Disorder, Developmental Delays, Speech Delays, Anxiety Disorders and Pica.
Tours
Step By Step Academy offers tours on a weekly basis. Tours usually take 1 to 1.5 hours. It is recommended that child care arrangements are made during your tour time. Tours are designed to help you decide if Step By Step is a good placement for your child. During your tour you will have to opportunity to view our facility, observe various programs and ask questions
To schedule a tour or an assessment, please click here to fill out the request form. For questions about our center, the request form or the assessment process, please contact Jody McCague by email or at (614)436-7837 ext. 203.
